MUAR, Feb. 8 -- Two small explosions were detected during efforts to extinguish a peatland fire at a Johor State Farmers' Organisation (PPNJ) plantation at Batu 13/14, Air Itam, yesterday, Harian Metro reported.

The first explosion occurred on February 3, while the latest happened during the eighth day of firefighting in Sector D.

Muar police chief Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said investigations are ongoing, but the explosions are believed to have been caused by active peatland fires.

Thick smoke and loose, unstable peat soil are making access to the area difficult.

Raiz said these conditions also hinder pinpointing the exact explosion sites and carrying out a full investigation.

Sector D has been fully closed to t...